China announced on Friday that it will impose 34% tariffs on U.S. imports, directly mirroring the recent tariff hike unveiled by President Donald Trump earlier this week.
The move escalates the ongoing trade dispute between the two global powers, with both sides digging in on hardline economic positions.
“China firmly rejects this and will do what is necessary to defend our legitimate rights and interests,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun. “We’ve said before that no one wins in a trade or tariff war.
Protectionism leads nowhere. We urge the U.S. to stop these actions and resolve issues through fair and respectful consultation.”
The new tariffs come on top of an existing 20% duty that the Trump administration had already imposed on Chinese goods.
The White House argues that the new measures are a response to years of trade imbalances and are part of a larger strategy to prioritize American industry.
“We knew this would be a bit rocky at first, but let’s be clear about what this is,” said Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., during an interview with FOX Business. “It’s about fairness. It’s about putting America first. We’ve been getting the short end of the stick for decades.”
Van Drew said he spoke to President Trump, who told him other nations are already responding to the new tariffs and expressing willingness to negotiate.
“They’re coming to him saying, ‘Let’s make a fair deal.’ So just hang in there, be strong. This is also about Main Street, not just Wall Street. It’s about making things in America again.”
President Trump highlighted the tariff plan at a “Make America Wealthy Again” rally this week, declaring it a turning point for American workers and industries.
“China panicked — and that’s the one thing they couldn’t afford to do,” Trump posted on Truth Social Friday.
During a speech at the White House Rose Garden, Trump emphasized the economic damage inflicted on American workers by foreign competitors.
“Our steelworkers, auto workers, farmers, and craftsmen have watched as foreign cheaters ransacked our factories and tore apart our American dream,” he said. “But now, it’s our turn to prosper.
Trillions of dollars will return to our country, helping us lower taxes and reduce the national debt.”
He insisted the tariffs would help rebuild U.S. manufacturing, calling the effort a “supercharge” for America’s industrial base.
Despite growing concerns over rising consumer prices and economic uncertainty, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the criticism earlier this week. “This tariff plan is going to work,” she told reporters confidently.
While the full impact of the escalating trade war remains to be seen, the latest moves by both Washington and Beijing have sparked fresh fears about supply chains, inflation, and global economic stability.
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